Portable gas heat treating machine



June 11, 1957 1... w. coURT PORTABLE GAS HEAT TREATING MACHINE s Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 27, 1953 Ki D-I V J l I I V I. I Q 2 2 7 33 25 2 I/VVE/VTOI? LESLIE W. COURT ,PQA"Q.PM

June 11, 1957 Y w. COURT PORTABLE GAS HEAT TREATING MACHINE Filed March 27, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IIVVE/VTOR [ESL E m COURT June 11, 1957 L.- w. COURT 2,795,411

' PORTABLEVGAS HEAT TREATING MACHINE Filed larch 27. 1953 v 3 She'ets-Sheet 3 PORTABLE GAS HEAT TREATING MACHINE Leslie W. Court, Richmond, Ind., assignor to Internstional Harvester Company, a corporation of New Jersey Application March 27, 1953, Serial No. 344,942

3 Claims. (Cl. 266

This invention relates to a portable heat treating machine of the gas burner nozzle type. More specifically Patent the invention relates to an improved heating machine for heating circular objects with gas burners on a'production basis.

The prime object of this invention is to provide an improved gas heating machine for heat treating articles as they are being conveyed on the conveyor platform of the machine.

A still further object is toprovide an improved gas heating machine for heat treating articles, the machine being portable'and including a conveyor unit for moving a plurality of articles into and out of operative relation with respect to the gas burner nozzles on the machine.

Still another object is to provide an improved gas heating machine or unit the machine including a conveyor for moving articles to be treated, the unit including an adjustable frame for moving a plurality of gas heating nozzles into adjacent relation with respect to the articles to be treated.

A more specific object is to provide an improved gas heating machine including a portable frame having an elevated platform on which a conveying unit is positioned, the conveying unit being adapted to move a plurality of articles to be treated across the platform and into adja-' cent relation with respect to a plurality of burner nozzles, the burner nozzles being mounted on adjustable frames whereby they may be adjusted horizontally vertically and angularly with respect to the platform of the machine.

These and further objects will become more readily ap-' broken away to illustrate internal portions of the machine;

Figure 2 is an elevational view showing one end of a heat treating machine having burner nozzles in operative relation with respect to work which is conveyed through the machine;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a gas heat treating machine shown in Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a detailed sectional view through the platform of a gas heat treating machine the view being taken substantially along the line 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a detail sectional view through a burner bracket support the view being taken substantially along the line 55 of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a detailed sectional view through a frame supporting structure taken generally along the line 6-6 of Figure 2.

Referring now particularly to Figures 1, 2 and 3, a heat treating machine is generally indicated by the reference character 10. The heat treating machine 10 comprises a main frame 11 having a pair of laterally spaced side channel members 12. The side channel members 12 are connected by forwardly and rearwardly, disposed end members 13. The frame 11, which is portable, is supported ICC at its rear end by wheels 14 and at its front end by front caster wheels 15.

A supporting structure generally designated by the reference character 16 is connected to the main frame 11. The supporting structure 16 includes a pair of laterally spaced vertically extending channel-shaped supporting members 17 and 13. The supporting members 17 and 18 are connected at their upper ends by a laterally extending top channel bar 19. A pair of forward supports 20 are connected at the forward portionof the main frame 11, the forward supports 20, being adapted to support a platform generally designated by the reference character 21. The platform 21 is supported at its forward end by means of a transversely extending channel 22, the channel 22 being connected at its ends to outer channel members 23 and inner channel members 24. A rear channel 25 is suitably connected to the supporting members 17 and 18 and also is connected to the channels 23 and 24. Crossbars 26'as bestshown in Figure 3 suitably connect the outer channels 23 to the inner channels 24.

The platform 21 further includes a plurality of longitudinally extending angles 27, which as best shown in Figure 4, are suitably connected to longitudinally extending laterally spaced plate members 28. The plate members 28 form suitable cradles 29 for supporting a plurality of refractory bricks 30. The cradles 31) are laterally spaced with respect to each other by means of certain of the longitudinal plates 28 to provide a plurality of longitudinally extending tracks generally designated by the reference character 31. The tracks 31 each consist of relatively narrow upper and lower channels 32 and 33, the channels 32 having their legs directed upwardly to receive endless chains 34. Each of the endless chains 34 is provided with a plurality of longitudinally positioned vertical fingers 35. The chains 34 are connected to forward and rearward sprockets 36 and 37'. As best shown in Figures 1 and 3 the rear sprockets 36 are supported for rotation with and on a shaft 38 which is suitably journalled in bearings 39. The forward sprockets 37 are connected to a shaft 40 which is suitably journalled on bearings 41. The shaft 38 is connected to a drive sprocket 42 which in turn is driven by a chain 43 suitably connected to a drive sprocket 44 which is connected. for rotation to a shaft 45, the shaft 4.5 projecting outwardly from a gear casing 46. A speed reducer is indicated at 46, the speed reducer being driven by means of a pulley 47 connected to a belt 48 and driven from a motor 49. Details of the casing 45, speed reducer 46 and motor 49 need not be further elaborated upon since they may be of conventional construction. The units 45, 46 and 19 are suitably supported in a cradle 53 connected to the main frame 11.

A horizontally extending vertically adjustable frame is generally designated by the reference character 51, a best shown in Figure 2. The frame 51 comprises upper and lower beams 52 and 53 which are suitably connected by means of uprights 54. The frame :31 has suitably connected thereto U-shaped slide brackets 59 which are laterally spaced and engage the channel-shaped supporting members 17 in sliding relation as indicated at 6t).

A block 61 is rigidly connected to the lower beam 53, the block 61 including a threaded bore 62 which is en gaged by a screw 63. The screw 63 is rotated by means of a hand wheel 64 and the lower end of the screw 63 is suitably journalled in a bearing 65 suitably connected to a transversely extending plate member 57. As indicated in Figure l, the plate member 57 is suitably supported between the supporting members 17 and 18.

A pair of horizontally adjustable frames are supported on the frame 51, each of the horizontally adjustable frames being designated generally by the reference character 66.

Each frame 66 includes a pair of laterally spaced vertically extending angles 67 which are connected at their upper ends to a U-shaped slide bracket 68 and at their bottom ends to a U-shaped slide bracket 69. As best shown in Figure 1, the slide brackets 68 and 69 are situated to grip the upper and lower beams, respectively 52 and 53 in sliding relation. Each frame 66 is movable by means of a screw 70. Each screw 70 is in engagement with a threaded bore block 71 which as best shown in Figure 3 is rigidly connected to the frame 66. A hearing 72 is in turn connected to each upright 54. A hand wheel 73 is connected to each screw 70 for rotating the screw 70 within the threaded bore block 71, thus effecting movement of the frame 66 horizontally with respect to the vertical frame 51. Each frame 66 includes a first burner nozzle bracket 74. Each bracket 74 includes a plate 75 which is supported on upper and lower arms 76, the arms 76 in turn being suitably connected to the angle members 67. A second burner nozzle bracket 77 is supported on the bracket 74. Each bracket 77 includes a plate 78 which is provided with a plurality of arcuate slots 79. A bolt 80 extends through each plate 78 and through each plate 75 to provide pivotal movement of each plate 78 which respect to each bracket 74, Bolts 80' extend through the slots 79 of each plate 78 and through each plate 75, these bolts 80 serving to securely hold the plates in position and to permit adjustability of the bracket 77 relative to the brackets 74. j

A plurality of straps 81, are connected to the bracket 77, the straps 81 serving to support a box structure 82 which supports a plurality of conventional burner nozzles 83. The burner nozzles 83 are suitably connected to a manifold 84 which in turn is connected to a pipe 85 leading to a source of burner gas (not shown).

As indicated in Figures 1 through 4 the machine is adapted to movably support a plurality of bars 86 which are to be heat treated. A horizontally adjustable guide 87 is suitably connected to a bracket 88, the guide 87 serving to laterally position the bars 86 on the platform 21.

The heat treating machine is portable and thus can readily be moved from one job to another in a heat treat-- ing plant. In operation, the bars 86 or similar articles are placed on the platform 21 in the manner indicated in Figure 4. The fingers 35 of the endless chains 34 serve to roll the bars on the plate members 28 from the forward end of the platform 21 to its rearward end. As the bars 86 are thus conveyed along the platform they come into the proximity of the burner nozzles 83 whereupon selective portions of the bars are treated as they rollalong a platform. The guide 87 serve to position each bar laterally with respect to the platform. Adjustment of the burner nozzles may be accomplished horizontally, laterally, and angularly with respect to each bar, thus effecting quick positioning of the burner nozzles to heat the desired location on each bar which is to be treated. Vertical adjustment of the burner nozzles is effected by merely turning the hand wheel 64 whereupon the vertically adjustable frame 51 is moved on the supporting structure 16, thus raising the burner nozzles 83 with respect to the bars 86 or other work which is being conveyed along the platform. Horizontal adjustment of the burner nozzles is effective by merely turning the hand wheels 73 which immediately causes horizontal adjustment of the frames 66 relative to the vertical frame 51.: In order to effectuate the heating operation along a longitudinal portion of the bar it is desired to provide for angular adjustment which is accomplished by the novel arrangement disclosed. To effectuate such angular adjustment it is merely necessary to loosen the bolts 80 whereupon each bracket 77 can be moved angularly with respect to the brackets 74, rotation of the brackets 77 being accomplished on the bolts 80. When the desired angularity has been reached the operator merely tightens bolts 80' securely and the nozzles 82 are now in position in the diagonal position desired.

Movement of the conveyor chains 34 is accomplished 4. in a conventional manner by means of the motor 49 and speed reducer 46. As indicated in Figure 1, as the bars 86 are moved along the platform, they reach the end of the platform whereupon they then can be subjected to a suitable second operation. The refractory bricks 30 on the platform are suitable to disperse large amounts of the heat which results from the burner nozzles 83, thus preserving the surrounding metal structure of the platform.

Thus it can be seen that a relatively inexpensive and simple heating machine has been provided for utilizing gas burner nozzles in the heating operation. In order to effectuate proper adjustment of the burner nozzles in a simple and easy manner the machine includes vertically adjustable and horizontally adjustable frames with provisions to permit the burner nozzles to be angularly disposed relative to the work to which they are applied. The machine is especially effective in the mass heating of circular objects which roll along the platform into proximity with the burner nozzles whereupon they are heated in the desired manner. The portability of the unit permits the unit to be moved to all desired locations in the plant where gas maybe available to provide the heating medium for the burner nozzles.

It can thus be seen that the objects of the invention have been fully achieved and it rnust be understood that change and modifications may be further made without departing from the spirit of the invention as disclosed nor the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A heat treating device comprising a frame, a platform supported on said frame, an endless conveyor mounted on said platform, said conveyor including means adapted to move articles to be treated longitudinally on said platform, a vertically extending support means positioned adjacent one end of said frame, said support means including a pair of transversely spaced vertical supporting members connected to said frame and to said platform, a vertically adjustable frame comprising laterally extending beams supported on said vertical. supporting members, said beam including connecting members engaging said vertical supports in sliding relation, a first rotatable member connected to said support means, said first rotatable member including a vertically extending screw, a first threaded bearing member connected to said vertically adjustable frame and engaging said vertically extending screw whereby said vertically adjustable frame may be adjusted vertically relative to said platform, a horizontally adjustable frame connected to said vertically adjustable frame, said horizontally adjustable frame including a first burner nozzle bracket, means connecting said horizontally adjustable frame for relative horizontal sliding movement to said vertically adjustable frame, a second rotatable member connected to said vertically adjustable frame, a horizontally extending screw connected to said second rotatable member, a second threaded hearing member connected to said second screw and to said horizontally adjustable frame whereby said bracket may be horizontally adjusted relative to said platform, a second burner nozzle bracket including a plurality of burner nozzles extending normally perpendicular relative to said platform, and adjustable means connecting said first and second brackets whereby said burner nozzlesmay be adjusted in diagonal relation relative to objects to be treated on said platform. 7

2. A heat treating device comprising a frame, a platform supported on said frame, means on said platform for conveying articles to be treated longitudinally on the platform, a vertically extending support means positioned adjacentone end of said frame, said support means including a pair of transversely spaced vertically extending supporting members connected to said frame, a vertically adjustable frame including a laterally extending beam, means connecting said beam for sliding movement on said vertical supporting members, first adjustable means connecting said vertically extending support and said adjustable frame to provide vertical adjustment relative to said platform, a horizontally adjustable frame supported on said vertically adjustable frame, said horizontally adjustable frame including a first burner nozzle bracket, second adjustable means connecting said horizontally adjustable frame to said vertically adjustable frame, a sec- 0nd burner nozzle bracket, a plurality of normally vertically extending burner nozzles connected to said second bracket, and third adjustable means connecting said first and second burner brackets whereby said second bracket may be angularly adjusted on said first bracket to tilt said nozzles angularly with respect to articles to be treated on said platform.

3. A heat treating device comprising a frame, a platform supported on said frame, means on said platform for conveying articles to be treated longitudinally on the platform, a vertically extending support means positioned adjacent one end of said frame, a vertically adjustable frame including a laterally extending beam, means connecting said beam for sliding movement on said support means, first adjustable means connecting said vertically extending support means and said adjustable frame to 6 a provide vertical adjustment of the vertically adjustable frame relative to said platform, a horizontally adjustable frame supported on said vertically adjustable frame, said horizontally adjustable frame including a first burner nozzle bracket, second adjustable means connecting said horizontally adjustable frame to said vertically adjustable frame, a second burner nozzle bracket, a plurality of normally vertically extending burner nozzles connected to said second bracket, and third adjustable means connecting said first and second burner brackets whereby said second bracket may be angularly adjusted on said first bracket to tilt said nozzles 'angularly with respect to articles to be treated on said platform.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 776,780 Einfeldt Dec. 6, 1904 2,277,054 Anderson Mar. 24, 1942 2,288,008 Mason June 30, 1942 2,423,188 Herbst July 1, 1947 2,504,171 Anderson Apr. 18, 1950 2,578,778 Biach Dec. 18, 1951 

